State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, believes he has an idea that will promote the environment and, at the same time, save Pennsylvania consumers money.Ellis recently introduced a bill that would nix the sales and use tax on energy-efficient appliances if purchased during the first two full weeks in October.The appliances that would qualify for the tax exemption include those that boast the "Energy Star" pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Program. These include certain models of dishwashers, refrigerators, room air conditioners and ceiling fans that have an "energy star" rating.Under the measure, these items must be for home use and cannot be used by a business.Ellis' bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee.---U.S. Reps.

Phil English, R-3rd, and

Melissa Hart, R-4th, hailed last week's passage by the House of Representatives of a sweeping energy bill the said would help ensure the United States meets its long-term energy needs.Hart noted the measure offers tax incentives to promote the construction of energy efficient buildings at work and at home and tax credits that encourage coal gasification technologies that produce clean synthetic natural gas designed to replace natural gas.---Butler County Treasurer

Diane Marburger was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board, as representative of the County Treasurers' Association of Pennsylvania.Marburger's advisory board post is a three-year term that ends July 20, 2008.Earlier this year, she was elected trustee for the southwest region of the County Treasurers' Association. She represents 16 counties in the state's southwest region.---State Sen.

Mary Jo White, R-21st, is urging the state Public Utility Commission to reject the proposed merger between Verizon Communication Inc. and MCI Inc., arguing that it is not in the public interest and could negatively impact her district.White has submitted testimony to the PUC and will appear at a Sept. 1 public hearing on the matter at Edinboro University."Many of my constituents in Clarion, Erie, Forest, Venango and Warren counties are customers of Verizon or Verizon North. In many areas, especially those served by Verizon North, they receive poor telephone service and no broadband or high-speed Internet connection," White said."Rural Pennsylvanians already have few options for telephone service. Eliminating a potential competitor will only make it less likely that Verizon will improve its service to my district and other rural areas in Pennsylvania."If the PUC approves the merger, she said, it should require a binding commitment from Verizon-MCI to accelerate broadband deployment, aggressively compete for residential customers, and retain current levels of employment and service.Published reports indicate the merger could result in the reduction of 7,000 jobs. Verizon employs 1,200 in the Erie area.White said past mergers have left residential customers with virtually no choices for basic telephone service choices, particularly since cable options and Voice Over Internet Protocol competition do not exist in most rural areas where cellular service is spotty.---State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, has been chosen to serve on a select committee to investigate policies, procedures and regulations used by various state agencies to protect the personal information of Pennsylvanians."Identity theft is a crime that can literally happen to anyone," Ellis said. "In recognizing the importance of reducing this type of criminal activity, this committee will investigate just how safe and secure personal information is within all of Pennsylvania's agencies."Many of these agencies, he noted, file information which includes Social Security numbers, health and medical records, driver's license information and other personal details about millions of Pennsylvanians.The committee has begun to look into the issue and throughout the next months will hold hearings, take testimony and conduct investigations as needed to develop a report to present to the entire House of Representatives.---The Pennsylvania Council of the Service Employees International Union has voted unanimously to endorse

Robert Casey Jr. for U.S. Senate next year.Bob Casey has said that he is willing to fight for working families," said Eileen Connelly, executive director of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council. "And we need someone in the U.S. Senate who is going to make affordable health care a top priority."The SEIU has already contributed $10,000 to Casey's campaign in the race in which he is the likely Democratic nominee to face Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa.The Pennsylvania SEUI State Council's affiliates represent more than 60,000 employees who are nurses and other health caregivers, building services and social workers, and other service employees.---U.S. Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., was recently named the American Fire Sprinkler Association's Fire Sprinkler Advocate of 2005 in recognition of his leadership in promoting fire safety.The association noted Santorum sponsored the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2005, legislation to ensure proper installation and regular inspection of fire sprinklers and help keep people safe where they live and work.Earlier this year, he also introduced the Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2005, legislation that would encourage donations of surplus firefighting equipment by reducing the threat of civil liability to heavy industry organizations and wealthier fire departments that currently destroy valuable firefighting equipment to avoid lawsuits.---State Rep.

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, will again host a legislative booth at the Butler Farm Show next week at the farms show grounds on Route 68 in Connoquenessing Township.Metcalfe's booth will be in building B near the paddle boat pond.---U.S. Rep.

Melissa Hart, R-4th, has announced the launch of her annual "Good Citizens Award" for 2005.The Good Citizens Award was initiated in 1999 to honor individuals whose volunteer activities improve the quality of life of their fellow citizens and build a stronger community.Nominees should be individuals who identified a need and came up with a solution to address that need within your place of employment, church, civic or community group.People placing nominations should contact Alisa Wehr, in the Ellwood City office at 724-752-0490 or via email at Alisa.Wehr@mail.house.gov.The Good Citizens Award Committee will select the recipients from the nominations received by Aug. 12. An award ceremony will be held Sept. 12 at Butler County Community College's Cranberry branch.